Article:

Retrograde peri-implantitis (RPI) is defined as a clinically symptomatic periapical lesion that develops shortly after implant insertion while the coronal portion of the implant sustains a normal bone-to-implant interface. A 61-year-old male was screened and evaluated for three maxillary anterior implants placed 10 years previously. Evaluation included a thorough periodontal and dental exam, radiographs, and cone-beam computed tomography. Probing depths around all implants ranged from 2 to 4 mm with no bleeding on probing/mobility. The apices of implants #8 and #9 exhibited radiolucencies, and a draining fistula was associated with implant #8. Treatment consisted of sectioning and removal of the affected portion of the implants and collection of a specimen for histopathologic examination. Resection of the apical portion of implants is a viable treatment modality in the management of RPI.